Podcast · Sport

Inside Position

by Tom Halpin · English · Sport

Inside Position, hosted by Tom Halpin, delivers great stories and insights from the world of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), MMA, and Grappling. Each week Tom brings you conversations with some of the sport’s biggest names, from world champions and coaches to other legends of the sport.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest: 30 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Sep 2026 · 43 min

Roberto Jimenez – The Natural

He's a Black Belt NoGi Absolute World Champion, and owner of one of the most exciting styles of grappling in the world. On this week's episode Roberto shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, the lessons he has learned from training with many legends of the sport, and some of his most profound moments on the mats throughout the years. We also had a great chat about how he developed his unique style of closed guard, his secrets to success in the open weight divisions, and much more. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertojimeneznaturaljj/ Roberto's…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E55 · 12 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Taylor Pearman on winning ADCC Trials, his CJI 2 performance, and training at Los Banditos
He's an ADCC trials winner, CJI veteran, and one of the top leg lock specialists in the world. In this weeks episode Taylor shared how his life changed after winning ADCC Trials, his thoughts on developing an innovative style on the mats, and some of the biggest lessons he has learned from competing at the highest level. We also had a great chat about how cross-training and collaborating with other elite grapplers has taken his skills to the next level, CJI 2, and much more. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpearmanbjj/ Taylor's Academy: https://ensojj.co.uk/…
S1 · E54 · 10 Dec 2025 · 23 min
Kieran Kichuk on competition preparation, avoiding burnout, and the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle
He's one of Canada's top grapplers and one of the most active competitors on the pro scene today. On this week's episode Kieran shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, his time spent training with TLI and The B-Team, as well as the lessons he learned there, and how his training style has developed throughout the years. We also had a great chat about Kieran's competition experience, how he balances competition preparation with learning new skills, and much more. Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Instagram:…
S1 · E53 · 28 Aug 2025 · 38 min
Max Hanson on Daisy Fresh, game planning, and his favourite study methods
He's an ADCC Veteran, and one of Canada's top prospects. On this week's episode Max shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, his training with Dante Leon and Heath Pedigo, as well as some of his favourite training and study methods to improve his game, and much more. Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxhansonbjj/ Max's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbjj Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu Podcast…
S1 · E52 · 20 Aug 2025 · 53 min
Owen Jones on his ADCC breakthrough, building confidence, and developing an attacking style
He's an ADCC Trials winner, ADCC Worlds Semi Finalist, and one of Europe's top grapplers. On this week's episode Owen shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, his time spent training with the B-Team and the lessons he learned there, as well as some of his favourite training methods to develop his signature attacking style. We also had a great chat about Owen's ADCC success, as he broke down his matches at the recent World Championships, and much more. Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Instagram:…
S1 · E51 · 16 Jul 2025 · 37 min
Jonathan ''JT'' Torres on dealing with pressure, building toughness, and his biggest rivals
He's a 2x ADCC Champion and one of the most successful American competitors in recent years. On this week's episode JT shared some interesting stories from his early years of training, the origins of his Spiderman nickname, and how he developed his signature toughness. We also had a great chat about JT's ADCC success after many years of disappointment at Gi Worlds, his transition from training with team Atos to opening his own academy Essential Jiu Jitsu, as well as much more. Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Instagram:…
S1 · E50 · 25 Jun 2025 · 32 min
Matthew Benyon on Scramble, Polaris, and the creative process
He's a founder of some of the most well known brands in the sport in Scramble and Polaris, as well as a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with over 20 years experience on the mats. On this week's episode Matt shared some interesting behind the scenes insights into the early days of the Scramble brand, how Polaris go about improving professional side of Jiu Jitsu, useful tips for up and coming athletes, and much more. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.benyon/ Scramble: https://scramblestuff.com/ Polaris: https://www.polarisprograppling.com/ Unathletic Brand:…
S1 · E49 · 16 Apr 2025 · 48 min
Chris Wojcik on skill development, innovation, and B-Team competition training
He's an ADCC Semi Finalist and an instructor at the world renowned B-Team. On this week's episode Chris gave some interesting insights into his early training in the Chicago, the methods he used to improve his skills on the mats, and how he made the breakthrough to high level competition. He also discussed his recent ADCC performance, how the training camp at B-Team differed to skill development periods, some of his biggest inspirations throughout the years, and much more. Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ (Use code 'SAVE30' for 30% off! Courses can…
S1 · E48 · 2 Apr 2025 · 38 min
Ashley Williams on the evolution of European Jiu Jitsu and training for longevity
He's an ADCC Trials winner, Polaris Professional Champion, and one of the top ranked grapplers in the world, Ash Williams, returning for his second appearance on the show. In this week's episode, the Welsh standout shared some insights into his recent training, the lessons he learned competing at ADCC in '22 and '24, and what it takes to build a long career in the sport. We also had an interesting discussion about the various rulesets, and what could be done to make the sport more exciting in the future, as well as much more. Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course:…
S1 · E47 · 12 Mar 2025 · 49 min
Robert Drysdale on Jiu Jitsu Culture, USA vs Brazil, and learning from the past
He's America's 2nd Black Belt World Champion and an ADCC Absolute Champion. On this week's episode Robert shared some interesting stories from his time training in Brazil in the mid 2000's, competing for the legendary team Brasa, and his experience winning the ADCC Absolute Division. We also had a great chat about current Jiu Jitsu and MMA culture, important training methodologies, the importance of structure, and much more. Darce/Anaconda/High Wrist Guillotine Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ (Use code 'SAVE30' for 30% off! Courses can be downloaded and viewed offline.) Guest Links:…
S1 · E46 · 5 Mar 2025 · 27 min
Tom DeBlass on hard training, coaching champions, and the importance of giving back
He's one of the most well known personalities in the sport, with experience comepeting at ADCC and in the UFC, as well as coaching some of the sports biggest stars. This week's guest is New Jersey's own Tom DeBlass. We had a great chat about Tom's start in the sport, training with Ricardo Almeida and the legendary Team Renzo Gracie, as well as the biggest lessons he has learned from that training environment. Tom also gave some insight into coaching a young Garry Tonon and training with an up and coming Gordon Ryan, as well as how his role as a leader has evolved throughout the years, and…
S1 · E45 · 26 Feb 2025 · 40 min
Adele Fornarino on becoming ADCC Champion and her keys to success
She's one of the sports recent breakout stars, and an ADCC Weight/Absolute Champion. This week's guest is Australia's own Adele Fornarino. We had a great chat about Adele's recent accomplishments, what has changed since, and some of the biggest factors in her success. She also shared some insights into the work she has put in with some great coaches over the past few years, and how her support network off the mats has had a positive effect in her performance. FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelefornarino/ Support and…
S1 · E44 · 19 Feb 2025 · 29 min
Tarik Hopstock on the benefits of competition and the origins of the Tarikoplata
He's one of Europe's top Black Belts and creator of the Tarikoplata submission. This week's guest is Norway's own Tarik Hopstock. We had a great chat about Tarik beginnings in the sport, discovering his passion for competition, and the transition from the ower ranks to the Black Belt level. He also shared some insights on the origins of the Tarikoplata and his plans for the future. FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Tarik's Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=tarik+hopstock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarik_bjj/ Support and Connect:…
S1 · E43 · 6 Feb 2025 · 45 min
Brandon McCaghren on learning styles, running the PGF, and the importance of keeping an open mind
He's a Black Belt under Eddie Bravo in the renowned 10th Planet system, and one of the sports most well known commentators and promoters. This week's guest is Alabama's own Brandon McCaghren. We had a great chat about Brandon's humble beginnings in the sport, his meeting Eddie Bravo and joining 10th Planet, to how he honed his skills as a coach and instructor. He also shared his plans for the future of his PGF events, and his thoughts on some of his favourite events he has commentated. FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Brandon's Instructional Website:…
S1 · E42 · 30 Jan 2025 · 29 min
Jake O'Driscoll on coaching ADCC champions, and how to make the most of your training
He's a renowned Australian Black Belt, and coach to many high level competitors, including ADCC Champions and medalists. This week's guest is Perth's own Jake O'Driscoll. We had a great chat about Jake's thoughts on the what it takes to reach a high level, inspiration from other professional sports, and some practical tips on how to maximize your progression on the mats. FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links: Jake's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=112559996 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeod_essencebjj Support and Connect: Instagram:…
S1 · E41 · 15 Jan 2025 · 34 min
Keith Krikorian on skill development, mindset, and the value of competition
He's a 3x ADCC veteran, Polaris Champion and one of the most active grappling competitors in the world. This week's guest is San Diego's own Keith Krikorian, back on the podcast for a second time. We had a great chat about Keith's success over the past couple of years, along with the most important factors in his growth as an athlete, and the challenges he has faced along the way. We also discussed his process for studying and adding new elements to his game, as well as some of the exciting matches he has coming up soon. FREE Back Attack Course: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Guest Links:…
S1 · E40 · 18 Dec 2024 · 25 min
Eoghan O'Flanagan on competing at CJI and ADCC, strength training, and the future of leg locks
He's one of Europe's most successful competitors, ADCC 4th place finisher, CJI 1 competitor, and one of the sports most well known leg lockers. On this week's episode Eoghan shared some insights into his experience competing at the biggest events in the sport, and how they compare and contrast. He also discussed his favourite training and teaching methods, how to improve your leg locks, and the importance of keeping training fun, as well as much more. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoghanoflanagan/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecharleseoghanexperience/videos…
S1 · E39 · 12 Dec 2024 · 43 min
Riccardo Ammendolia on the past, present, and future of the sport
He's one of the most renowned commentators and promoters in Jiu Jitsu today, as well as being a Black Belt under the Mendes Brothers. On this weeks episode Riccardo shared some interesting stories of his early training in the late 90's, the methods and attitudes at the time, as well as much more. He also gave some insight into his work as a commentator and promoter for some of the biggest events in the sport, and his take on the future of professional grappling. Guest Links: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/RiccardoAmmendoliaBJJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riccardoammendoliabjj/…
S1 · E38 · 20 Nov 2024 · 38 min
Miha Perhavec on judging at CJI, travelling the world, and co-founding Legion AJJ
He's a Black Belt in both Jiu Jitsu and Judo, as well as being co-founder of one of the most well known academies in the world, Legion AJJ. In today's episode Miha shares his experience travelling the world as a young competitor and how his skills on and off the mats led him to San Diego, California. He also shared some interesting insights into his work judging CJI, his thoughts on various coaching styles, and the process of writing his new book, as well as much more. Guest Links: Miha's Book: https://nogimanual.com/ Where to Buy: https://nogimanual.com/pages/international-buyers Instagram:…
S1 · E37 · 28 Aug 2024 · 48 min
How to improve your mental game – with Sam Antonen
This week's guest is renowned mental performance coach Sam Antonen. We took a deep dive into topics related to performance, competitiveness, consistency, and confidence, both on and off the mats. Sam shared some great ideas from his vast coaching experience and study of the mental aspects of sport, in his usual practical manner. Guest Links: Website: https://www.samantonen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantonen/ Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu Podcast Website:…
S1 · E36 · 23 Aug 2024 · 30 min
ADCC 2024 finals recap
In this weeks episode we recap the ADCC 2024 Finals, sharing some important insights and the biggest takeaways from the event. Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/ Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
S1 · E35 · 20 Aug 2024 · 32 min
CJI 2024 recap
In this weeks episode we recap the Craig Jones Invitational, sharing some important insights and the biggest takeaways from the event. Catch the full replay here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IyneYOMCvI0?si=Z5zOEIcPETEOc9sD Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/ Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
S1 · E34 · 15 Aug 2024 · 31 min
CJI preview – under 80kg division
In this weeks episode we preview the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational under 80kg division, sharing some important insights and key battles to watch out for during the event. Catch the live action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyneYOMCvI0 Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/ Academy Website: https://treatygrappling.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomHalpinJiuJitsu Podcast Website: https://www.insidepositionpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47tXUZQ6EQfGRNZ9Ztm21V
S1 · E33 · 5 Jul 2024 · 10 min
Revisited – Craig Jones and Chris Holdsworth on the realities of chasing the dream
In our first 'Revisited' episode, we look back at earlier conversions with both Craig Jones and Chris Holdsworth, as they shared some interesting stories on various challenges they faced throughout their careers. Subscribe to the podcast to stay up to date on future episodes! Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigjonesbjj/ Website: https://bteamjj.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdsworthmma/ Website: https://www.holdsworthbjj.com/ Support and Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomhalpinbjj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatygrappling/ Academy…
S1 · E32 · 3 Jul 2024 · 35 min
Espen Mathiesen – developing intuition and creativity on the mats
He's one of Europe's most successful competitors, World Pro Champion, and one of the sports most creative guard players. On this week's episode Espen shared his thoughts on how to take your game to the next level, his approach to training and competition, and much more. He also discussed his early development in the sport, as well as his time spent training alongside the Mendes Brothers in California. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espenmathiesen/ Website: https://www.espenmathiesen.com/ Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Support and Connect:…
S1 · E31 · 28 Feb 2024 · 39 min
Pat Divilly on finding and following your passion
He's a renowned writer, speaker and podcaster, as well as a Brown Belt in Jiu Jitsu. On this week's episode Pat shared some insights into his work, as well as some practical tools to help improve your mindset and daily life. We had a great chat about his journey, starting out as a fitness coach with some doubts about his future, to becoming an international speaker and author. He also touched on some interesting topics such as confidence, managing expectations, and his love for Jiu Jitsu. Guest Links: https://www.patdivilly.com/ https://www.instagram.com/patdivilly/ Tom Halpin…
S1 · E30 · 30 Aug 2023 · 43 min
Gianni Grippo on drilling, countering the leg-lock meta, and the ideal competition routine
He's a multiple time Nogi World Champion at the Black Belt level, as well as one of the most experienced competitors on the scene today. On this week's episode Gianni shared some insights into his early training, rising through the ranks in the famed Renzo Gracie Academy, before furthering his training at the equally renowned Marcelo Garcia Academy. We had a great chat about his favourite training methods, how he develops his submission game, as well as how he has managed to keep great longevity in the sport. He also touched on some interesting topics such as sport psychology, and his future…
S1 · E29 · 15 Mar 2023 · 42 min
Jason Rau – your favourite grappler’s favourite grappler
He's known as one of the most skillful and innovate grapplers in the world, with wins over many world-class opponents. On this week's episode the New York native and Black Belt under UFC legend Matt Serra shared some interesting stories of training in NYC during it's time as the Mecca for grappling innovation. He also discussed some of his thoughts on skill acquisition and intelligent preparation for competition, as well as much more. Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonraubjj89/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Jasonraubjj Tom Halpin Instructionals:…
S1 · E28 · 4 Jan 2023 · 42 min
Owen Livesey on his Judo career, competing without expectations, and how to improve your wrestling skills
He's a commonwealth games Judo champion and a recent ADCC qualifier, with one of the most impressive highlight reels in the sport. On this week's episode Owen shared some insights into the challenges he faced while attempting to qualify for the Olympic Games, as well as the contrast in how he feels competing in grappling competitions nowadays. We also discussed how he came to open his own gym in Hull, as well as some practical ideas for how grapplers can improve their wrestling. Guest Links: https://www.owenliveseygrapplingacademy.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/owenlivesey/ Tom Halpin…
S1 · E27 · 2 Nov 2022 · 30 min
Jeremy Skinner on problem solving, positional training, and being a student of the game
Today's guest is Aussie Black Belt Jeremy Skinner. He's one of the most successful grapplers from down under, and a recent ADCC Trials winner. We had a great chat about everything from skill development, to coaching, to competing at ADCC. Jeremy also shared some of the keys to his success, as well as some interesting ideas on his approach to studying the sport. Guest Links: https://techniqly.com/shop/quantum-entanglement/ https://www.instagram.com/jeremypaulskinner/ Tom Halpin Instructionals: https://www.tomhalpinbjj.com/ Support and Connect: Instagram:…

About Inside Position

Inside Position is a English sport podcast from Tom Halpin. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Tom Halpin
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest episode: 30 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1555883209

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